Cherry Puff Pastry

Cherry Puff Pastry is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of Bing cherries with creamy cheese and flaky pastry. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a special treat for yourself. Its vibrant color and delicious flavor make it a favorite among fruit lovers.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Cherry Puff Pastry because it’s easy and quick to prepare, even for beginners! The combination of fresh cherries and cream cheese creates a delicious filling that is both sweet and tangy. Additionally, using store-bought puff pastry saves you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dessert without the hassle. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with friends or family!

How to Make Cherry Puff Pastry

Ingredients:

2 cups Bing cherries, pitted
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 box store-bought puff pastry sheets
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Coarse sugar for topping
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, cook the cherries, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over low heat. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then stir this into the cherry mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup sugar, the egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture down the center, leaving space on the edges. Add the cherry filling on top of the cream cheese.
Cut slits on the sides of the pastry and fold over to create a braid-like appearance. Secure the ends to prevent leakage.
Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush it over the pastry. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk and drizzle over the baked pastry.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your flaky, fruity pastry with a drizzle of glaze!

How to Serve Cherry Puff Pastry

Cherry Puff Pastry is best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also looks great on a dessert table, making it a perfect choice for parties and celebrations.

How to Store Cherry Puff Pastry

To store Cherry Puff Pastry, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Tips to Make Cherry Puff Pastry

Make sure the cherries are pitted well to avoid any unpleasant surprises while eating.
Chill the puff pastry in the refrigerator for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
Experiment with other fruits, like blueberries or peaches, for different flavors.
If you like a sweeter pastry, add a bit more sugar to the cream cheese mixture.

Variation

You can mix in other fruits with the cherries, such as raspberries or almonds, for added flavor. For a chocolate twist, try adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free egg substitute in the recipe.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and the pastry shapes ahead of time and bake them right before serving for the freshest taste.